What To Expect at Round Two in Kamloops

As we head into round two of the 2014 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals in beautiful Kamloops, BC, lets take a look at what the riders can expect. Other than both the first two rounds being in the province of BC, these two tracks couldn’t be any different. The first noticeable difference is the soil of each track, at round one the riders were searching for traction and the odd rut to used to maintain their momentum. With the sandier soil of Kamloops the traction will be there but so will the bumps, so the only thing the riders will be searching for is smooth lines as the Whispering Pines track gets much rougher. Of course this is just one of the many differences.

When the riders and teams arrive in Kamloops and either step out of their trucks or their planes at the airport, the first thing they will notice is how much dryer the air is. In Nanaimo with the Ocean being so close the air is dewy sweet and their lungs love it. In Kamloops being part of the BC desert, the air is much dryer so not only will the bikes run differently but the rider’s respiratory systems will react differently as they try to inhale the air needed for 30 minute moto’s. Another aspect of the Kamloops area that will feel different to the riders is the elevation, while not a lot higher, the Whispering Pines track sits approximately 1100 feet higher than the track last week in Nanaimo. Higher elevation means thinner air that’s a little harder to process, however, this shouldn’t pose much of an issue as most of the series riders practice and train at this elevation. Round three in Calgary will be much different though as the city sits at a staggering 3400 feet above sea level.

Once the gate drops the Kamloops track will provide a completely different feel than Nanaimo. While last week was a real mental test and not so much a physical one, this weekend there will be no hiding for the weak or faint hearted. This track gets rough and it demands that a rider stay completely focused, while no doubt digging into their early season fitness reserves. As we saw last year with point’s leader Colton Facciotti, one mental lapse could lead to catastrophe. This track has it all and is really the first true test of the 2014 series. The rider[s] that do well on Sunday will leave Kamloops knowing that they’re both fit and confident in their bike set up as they travel east to round three in Calgary.

Who Can We Expect to Do Well On Sunday

In the MX1 class I think it will be a battle of the series strongest riders. Fitness machines like Bobby Kiniry and Tyler Medaglia always seem to do well in Kamloops and after less than stellar weekends in Nanaimo, they’ll no doubt step up. I will also expect good moto’s from Teddy Maier as he knows this track very well and he’s the type of rider who can easily find smooth lines when others can’t.

It will be very interesting to see how the three new top riders to the MX1 series make out this weekend. Last week’s winner Mike Alessi is just plain fast, there’s no doubt about that. However, this track is more than likely different than any other track he’s ridden, so it will be interesting to see how he adapts. Everyone was very impressed with Josh Hill last weekend and how he finished, but the Nanaimo track was dead smooth compared to this weekend. Sunday will definitely be a great test for Hill and his outdoor prowess. Kyle Chisholm was also steady last weekend and I feel is ready to break into the top five as this track will suit him much more.

Finally, after everything Colton Facciotti has been through the last two years in Kamloops I don’t think anyone would blame him if he rode around in 8th place all day and moved on to Calgary. But, Colton is a racer and that’s not how top athletes handle things. Colton has a grudge match with this track on Sunday and I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes 1-1 and puts all the demons behind him. Regardless of who wins, we know the racing is going to be incredible.

In the MX2 class I think you’re going to see more of the same from round one as far as battles all over the track. Kaven Benoit will be fast, Politelli will also be fast, Shawn Maffenbeier will not give up and we know from last year in the sand, Jesse Wentland will have tons of speed. In think the MX2 class this weekend, and every weekend for that matter is going to be a knock down battle in both moto’s. There is so much talent in this class for 2014 that the racing is going to be incredible at every round.

I would also look for Jeremy Medaglia to rebound nicely from his poor result at round one, and we can’t forget about rookie sensation Dylan Wright who always feels right at home in sandy soil. So line the fence, tune into the MXP Internet Radio Show or follow @mxpmagazine on Twitter because this weekend in Kamloops we’re going to see some awesome racing. Here are the current top five in the point’s standings heading into round two.

MX1

1. Mike Alessi 45pts
2. Colton Facciotti 45pts
3. Josh Hill 40pts
4. Teddy Maier 37pts
5. Bobby Kiniry 32pts

MX2

1. Kaven Benoit 50pts
2. Shawn Maffenbeier 42pts
3. Austin Politelli 38 pts
4. Jesse Wentland 38 pts
5. Topher Ingalls 30 pts